ECOLOGY, HYDROLOGY, AND SITE ENVIRONMENT

This video details the development of expedited field survey and sampling techniques for Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) congeners and dioxins. PCBs are toxic compounds used from 1929-1979 as lubricants, coolants, and electrical insulators in industry. PCBs were banned in 1979, but still exist in the environment.

Ohio University developed expedited field survey and sampling techniques for PCB congeners and dioxins; developed an approach for graphical information system mapping of PCB congener and dioxin occurrence in sediment and soil; and conducted a preliminary assessment of PCB congener and dioxin presence and fate, including geochemical transformation (i.e., “aging”), in sediments and soil at the PORTS site. This project used an appropriate location as a test bed for the expedited survey and sampling techniques. The expedited sampling and analytical technique was verified using split-sample results from a qualified third-party laboratory. The information developed was summarized in reports and made available as an electronic database. In addition, Ohio University conducted briefings with OEPA as part of this project to explain the methods developed and to encourage the use of results from field sampling techniques in environmental decision-making at the PORTS site. Ohio University included OEPA as a team member for this task.

Jacksong@ohio.edu
Dr. Jackson is currently a MIng Hsieh Distinguished Professor of Forensic and Investigative Science at West Virginia University and formerly was Associate Professor and Director of BS Forensic Chemistry Program at Ohio University. Dr. Jackson’s research interests include mass spectrometry instrumentation, development biological and forensic applications, proteomics and biomarkers, forensic chemistry, and environmental chemistry.

lopezd@ohio.edu
Dr. Lopez’s research interests include the geochemistry and hydrogeology of geothermal systems (including diffuse soil degassing and heat flow studies), and environmental problems such as acid mine drainage and arsenic contamination in water. At the present time, her areas of research in geothermal systems are located in Central America (Guatemala and El Salvador), and in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

Bowmanj2@ohio.edu
Jen Bowman manages the Voinovich School’s Environmental Management Program involving staff and students in watershed research including chemical water quality data analysis, interpretation and report writing for various projects as part of the Appalachian Watershed Research Group at Ohio University. Jen developed and manages an online database management system for area watershed groups and has done extensive research in acid mine drainage, water quality characterization and restoration.

krusen@ohio.edu
Natalie Kruse is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Dr. Kruse holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and Geosciences from Newcastle University, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a minor in Geological Sciences from Ohio University. She completed her post-doctoral research for the Sir Joseph Swan Institute for Energy Research at Newcastle University.